500 Culinary Leaders from JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs Unite to Seed the Future of Gastronomy
The 2026 International Congress of JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs concluded yesterday in Cologne after two inspiring days, bringing together 500 participants, including over 400 chefs, sommeliers, and restaurateurs from 21 countries.
Held on 19–20 April under the theme RE·GENERATION – SEED THE FUTURE, the congress positioned Cologne at the heart of global gastronomy. The programme explored innovation, sustainability, hospitality, and international collaboration, reaffirming JRE’s mission to shape the next chapter of food and hospitality.
“RE-GENERATION is first and foremost an invitation to reflect on how we want to evolve. It means enhancing the heritage of our diverse gastronomic cultures, empowering our teams, and taking a holistic view of the industry that goes beyond the kitchen.”
International President, JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs
A Historic Moment: JRE Expands to South America
One of the most significant milestones of the congress was JRE’s official expansion into South America. Founding members from Argentina, Chile, and Peru were welcomed into the community, marking a new era of global connection and cultural exchange.
THE FOUNDING MEMBERS ARE:
Argentina: Germán Sitz (Niño Gordo)
Chile: Charles de Bournet Lapostolle (Clos Apalta Residence), Max Raide (Casa Las Cujas), Pedro Chavarría (DeMo Magnolia)
Peru: Pedro Miguel Schiaffino (La Rosa Nautica), James Berckemeyer (Cosme), Renzo Miñán (Almacén), Kent Zúñiga (KAO), Ricardo Ehni (Tragaluz), Angie Márquez (La Capitana), Robert Dickson (Sala Omakase).
This milestone strengthens JRE’s global presence and reinforces its commitment to diversity, excellence, and cross-cultural collaboration.
An Unforgettable Gala Dinner
The congress opened with a Gala Dinner at Flora Köln, hosted by JRE-Germany. Four two-Michelin-star chefs and JRE-Germany members (Jan-Philipp Berner, Frédéric Morel, Sebastian Obendorfer, and Tobias Bätz) presented an exceptional eight-hands menu celebrating craftsmanship, regional identity, and contemporary culinary artistry.
The experience was further enhanced by contributions from Nils Henkel, Maurizio Oster, and Harald Rüssel.
Celebrating Excellence: JRE-International Awards 2026
During the Gala Dinner, the JRE-International Awards honoured outstanding talent and innovation across six categories, presented in collaboration with international partners:
Chef of the Year by Pastificio dei Campi – Frédéric Morel
Sommelier of the Year by Marchesi Antinori – Johanna Roullier
Hospitality Excellence Award by Mastercard – Jo Grootaers & Lana Kelchtermans
Re·Generation Award by Vaider Group – Massimiliano Mascia
Taste of Origins Award by Parmigiano Reggiano – Pasquale Carfora
Sustainability Award by Marie-Stella-Maris – Sabina & Grega Repovž
The awards celebrated individuals who are redefining gastronomy through excellence, authenticity, and responsibility.
The Voices of the Future: Hospitality & Entrepreneurship
The congress created space to reflect on JRE’s evolution and future direction. Through conversations with leading voices from within and beyond the network, the programme explored entrepreneurship, hospitality, growth, and the evolving role of the JRE community.
“We are no longer only chefs, we are entrepreneur hosts, and the future depends on how well we empower our teams and work together.”
International Vice President, JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs
Key initiatives presented included the JRE x Antinori Wine Guides and the JRE Signature Hospitality initiative, highlighting not only culinary excellence but also the importance of service in shaping the guest experience.
“Hospitality and service are just as important as exceptional culinary experiences. We have the opportunity – and the responsibility – to make our industry a place people are proud to belong to and work for.”
International Vice President, JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs
Delivering on the Sustainability Promise
Building on the sustainability manifesto (to explore sustainable alternatives for the wine industry) signed at the 2024 Congress, JRE announced a major milestone: in collaboration with Vaider Group, a CO₂-neutral wine bottle has been successfully developed and awarded a Red Dot Design Award in 2026.
In addition, a collaborative wine created by three JRE sommeliers (Katharina Röder, Bethany Delong, Nina Bratovž), in partnership with Puklavec Family Wines and Vaider Group, was unveiled. Named Trois Femmes, the wine symbolises craftsmanship, collaboration, and progress.
A Strategic Partnership Sets Sail
The congress concluded with a closing celebration aboard a KD ship on the Rhine, offering a preview of JRE’s new partnership with UNITED WATERWAYS. Through this collaboration, JRE aims to elevate hospitality standards in river cruising while providing hands-on training opportunities for the next generation of culinary talent, further reinforcing its commitment to developing future leaders.
Seeding the Future
With the success of the 2026 Congress, JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs continues to strengthen its role as a global community dedicated to creativity, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and hospitality.
As the final applause echoed through Cologne, one message stood clear: the future of gastronomy is collaborative, regenerative, and already in motion.
JRE-International also announced that Slovenia will host the 2028 International Congress, marking the next chapter in the association’s international journey.
